10 techniques for applying eye shadow – secrets and life hacks of makeup artists

Eyeshadow is one of the staples in the modern girl's cosmetic arsenal. They help to emphasize the eyes, emphasize their beauty and expressiveness. However, not all girls who use eyeshadow have some kind of makeup techniques. But using simple techniques and color combinations, you can make the make-up more varied and the image more stylish. The journalists, having consulted with the leading makeup artists and makeup masters, have selected for the readers of our magazine several of the most popular but simple ready-made eye shadow application techniques.

How to use shadows correctly – application and shading schemes

You can use from 2 to 10 color options simultaneously. For nude makeup, you can even limit yourself to one shade of eyeshadow. But not only the colors and their quantity are of great importance, but how they are applied and shaded.

There are three main methods for blending pigments:

1. Horizontal – pigments literally stretch from the bridge of the nose to the temple. For example, a light pigment is applied at the inner corner of the eye, smoothly turning into a darker one in the middle of the eye, and the most intense version is applied at the outer corner. This shading scheme will be ideal if you have large, round, protruding eyes, as it allows you to visually stretch the incision.

2. Vertical – pigments are applied in layers, starting from the lash line and up to the area under the eyebrow. There can be several layers, it can be shadows of different colors, but a more popular option is a gradual transition from a darker shade to a lighter tone of one color range. This shading scheme is suitable for those with small or too narrow eyes.

3. Diagonal – pigments are applied to the eyelid and shaded in a diagonal direction – from the inner corner of the eyelid to the tip of the eyebrow. This scheme is suitable for those who want to slightly stretch their eyes and make them slant.

How to apply eyeshadow – ready-made techniques

Ready-made eyelid shadow application techniques will be effective and will beautify your appearance, complement your overall makeup, if you choose the right colors and shades. We will describe the sequence of actions, only indicating where and how to apply light pigments, shadows of darker shades and completely dark, and you can decide on the colors yourself.

Also, in the description of the technique, we will not indicate the need for preliminary cleansing of the skin and applying a primer – this rule applies in all cases, without exception.

How to apply eyeshadow – a ready-made classic makeup technique

The sequence of actions is as follows:

1. Only the movable eyelid is stained. You need to start applying pigments from the inner corner of the eye, where the lightest shades are used.

2. Apply a second, darker color from the middle to the outer edge using the overlap method.

3. The corner uses the most saturated shade.

To emphasize the shape of the eyes and make the look more attractive, you can draw in the eyelids with a pencil.

Ready-made technique for combining bright colors

This way of applying shadows is suitable for young girls who want to look bright and unusual. It is appropriate to use it for going to a party or a walk with friends. The sequence of making eyes make-up (let's say we use yellow and green shadows, you can choose a different combination):

1. The entire upper eyelid is stained with light yellow (canary) matte shadows up to the area where the eye socket begins to be felt under the skin. The area under the lower border of the brow should be left untreated.

2. Take a light green matte eye shadow, place a brush in the middle of the upper eyelid and paint over the skin up to the outer corner of the eye.

3. Blend the green pigments in a diagonal direction – up and to the right on the right eyelid, up and to the left on the left.

4. Take green shadows and emphasize the lower eyelids.

5. At the end of the makeup, you need to draw arrows on the upper eyelids, bring the lower ones along the mucous membrane, paint the eyelashes with one layer of black mascara.

Ready-made 'Loop' technique

This technique can also be performed by beginners, because it does not require high skill:

1. Light shadows are used on the entire surface of the upper eyelid; they are carefully shaded from one edge to the other.

2. A dark pigment is applied to the outer third of the upper eyelid along the growth line of the cilia.

3. A smooth loop is drawn from the outer corner to the middle of the fold above the movable eyelid. Dark pigments blend well.

In this case, there is also no need to use a pencil or eyeliner, but if you want to emphasize the shape of the eyes, you can apply a cosmetic product of the same shade as the dark shadow.

Ready equipment 'Birdie'

This simple technique is suitable for those who are just learning to apply makeup or don't want to spend a lot of time doing it. Step-by-step instruction:

1. Apply light shadows to the moving eyelid, carefully distribute them over the surface.

2. Starting from the second third of the eyelid length, closer to the outer area, a dark pigment should be applied.

3. Where the upper and lower eyelids converge, use a brush to blend the dark pigment down a little, affecting 3-5 millimeters of the lower eyelid.

In this technique, it is permissible to use both eyeliner and pencil to enhance the effect.

Ready-made nude makeup technique

If you want others not to notice that you have applied makeup, but at the same time want to make your appearance more attractive, use the nude technique:

1. Apply on the moving eyelid, as well as on the area under the eyebrows, light shadows (preferably a flesh, beige shade), blend the pigments.

2. Draw a dark pigment (preferably chocolate, dark beige) on a flat brush with a beveled tip, draw the line as close to the lash line as possible.

3. Blend the dark color for a natural look and almost invisible on the eyelids.

In the nude technique, you should not use eyeliner or contour pencil. It is even better to refuse mascara or perform just one layer, affecting only the tips of the cilia. But you can use a special curler or eyelash curler without breaking the natural look.

Ready technique 'Blik'

This technique will help to visually enlarge the eyes and widen the incision. To complete it, you need dark beige (1 tone darker than skin color) matte and light pearlescent shadows. It is pearlescent, without sparkles and strong gloss or shimmer.

How to apply shadows correctly:

1. Most of the dark matte eyeshadow is applied in the middle of the upper eyelid. The areas under the eyebrow, at the inner corner of the eye, should remain unaffected, and the outer corner can be slightly marked.

2. Under the eyebrow, on the inner corner, we put a highlight using a pearlescent product.

3. The most crucial stage is to put another highlight over the dark matte pigment in the middle of the upper movable eyelid. Touch the area above the pupil of the eye with a brush, lightly blend the product 3-5 millimeters in each direction.

Pencil and eyeliner are not used in this technique, and whether to apply mascara to the eyelashes is up to you.

Finished smokey ice technique

The technique of applying shadows called smokey ice is considered a classic. And it is versatile because if you use pastel light gradients it can be 'worn' on a daily basis. And if you use dark, bright, juicy, saturated pigments, smoky ice can be performed to complement evening, solemn makeup. The advantage of this technique is that it can be applied regardless of the shape and size of the eyes. If the incision needs to be visually enlarged, blend the shadow in the direction from the lash line and towards the eyebrows. If the incision needs to be stretched, shade the pigments not up, but diagonally or to the sides.

Stages of applying shadows:

1. First, a dark pigment is applied along the edge of the upper and lower eyelids, the line should be drawn with the thinnest brush. You can make a circular stroke, drawing on the lower eyelid not on the skin, but on the mucous membrane.

2. Dark shadows are shaded, a preparation of a lighter shade is applied above the upper border, this layer is also shaded.

3. The topmost layer, the one under the eyebrow, should be the lightest.

4. The edges of the transitions are shaded with a soft barrel brush, which creates a haze effect that surrounds the eyes.

In this case, you can do without eyeliner, but not without mascara, otherwise the makeup will look incomplete, and the eyes seem to be 'naked'. Mascara can be applied in two layers if you are doing an evening make-up.

Ready-made shimmering evening makeup technique

If you want to impress guests of a party or celebration with your beauty, you need more than shadows. Prepare also an eyeliner – a liquid product with the finest brush. A pencil, including a bold one (kayal), will not work in this case. You will also need to use mascara.

This technique is popular, since applying shadows does not cause any difficulties, but you will have to work hard to draw clear, beautiful arrows.

Step by step application of cosmetics:

1. Apply light (flesh) shadows to the entire surface of the moving and static eyelid.

2. Apply dark shadows (dark beige) to the crease above the movable eyelid. You need to paint over only half of the fold, starting from the outer edge of the eyelid.

3. Now you need to take shimmering shadows of the same shade as the previously used matte (flesh or light beige). They are applied to the static upper eyelid up to the border where the area colored with shaded dark pigments begins. It is necessary to layer the shimmery preparation a little on the matte surface.

4. The inner corner of the eye is also treated with a shimmering light gradient, including the corner of the lower eyelid and its first third.

5. Now it remains to draw beautiful arrows, thin at the base and thicker in the middle, with an elegant sharp tip that extends beyond the eyelid by 2-3 millimeters.

6. After that, you can apply mascara, and curl the eyelashes with tweezers.

What accessories may be needed in order to apply eyeshadow

In order to use ready-made eye shadow application techniques, you will need a certain set of accessories and auxiliary tools / preparations:

Mirror, it must meet the following requirements:

1. Size – as large as possible. It is advisable that you see in the reflection not only the eyes, but the face as a whole. It is even better if a large mirror is used, in which both the face and neck and décolleté are reflected. In this case, you will be able to correctly assess how the chosen technique fits the overall image, whether there is a dissonance between eye makeup and the make-up of the rest of the face, whether the overall appearance looks harmonious.

2. Mirror fixation type. It will be more convenient for you to apply eye shadow and other cosmetics to your eyes or face if you have both hands free. Therefore, it is advisable not to use a pocket mirror, which must be held in one hand. It is better for the accessory to stand firmly on a flat table surface or on the floor (if the mirror is large), without requiring additional fixation from your side.

3. Mirror location – it is advisable that you apply shadows, like all other decorative cosmetics, being near a source of natural light. That is, by the window. When performing makeup in the bathroom or under artificial light from an incandescent lamp, you will not be able to assess the result objectively, it will be difficult for you to notice mistakes, inaccuracies and inaccuracies that often occur during the process of applying cosmetics, including when using eye shadow.

4. Brushes and applicators. Shadows, of course, can be applied with your fingertips, but this method is not suitable for complex techniques and color transitions. Therefore, you will need to buy several brushes to help you apply the eyeshadow correctly and get a beautiful effect. These brushes can be:

5. A small, flat brush with a rounded tip for applying makeup and blending.

6. A barrel brush for high-quality shading.

7. A fine, pointed brush for crisp lines and accents.

8. Small flat brush with a beveled tip. Such an accessory helps to use shadows as an eyeliner (if you add a little water to them), blend cosmetics, draw a fold between a static and a moving eyelid.

9. Cotton buds, cotton pads. These are indispensable makeup aids that facilitate the process of applying and removing cosmetic preparations.

10. Means for makeup remover. It is recommended to immediately buy two drugs in small vials. The first is for removing ordinary cosmetics, the second is for removing persistent cosmetics. Yes, even eyeshadows can be long-lasting, like tint eyeshadows. They can last longer than 24 hours on the eyelids, so you should have a product at hand that allows you to quickly remove them without unnecessary friction and trauma to delicate skin.

11. Also, in order for the eyeshadows to look natural and the makeup to be harmonious, you may need other decorative cosmetics – eyeliner, eyeliner, mascara. For starters, you can buy regular black ink, as well as a versatile black pencil with a medium-hard lead.

10 mistakes when applying eyeshadow

Even if you master several techniques for applying shadows and make the make-up more interesting and varied, you may not get the expected effect. The reason for this can be mistakes in the makeup of the eyelids, and in some cases, several wrong decisions are the cause of an unsuccessful make-up.

Mistake # 1 – unkempt eyebrows

If you are going to apply eyeshadow on the eyelids and use any techniques, color combinations and textures, be sure to make sure that the eyebrows look acceptable. Even if you are a fan of everything natural and natural in the image, the brow arches need to be corrected. In some cases, it is enough to pluck the fluff and a few individual hairs above the upper eyelid. In other situations, more effort is required to form the correct and symmetrical shape of the brow arches.

You may have to not only pluck the hairs, but also finish painting them on the bald spots. And also to shorten the length of the eyebrow hairs, change their color, make it more saturated. Yes, this is a rather laborious process, but believe me, the result is worth it. Beautiful eyebrows with the right shape, which correspond to the oval of the face and other anatomical parameters, can literally transform the appearance and make the eyelid makeup much more effective.

Mistake # 2 – dark circles under the eyes

Even if you use the nude eyelid makeup technique, you still attract the attention of others to your eyes. And if you have dark circles on your face, then they become more noticeable. Bruises under the eyes, especially pronounced or accompanied by tissue edema (bags), is one of the main defects that can greatly spoil the appearance. And you don't need to draw too much attention to them. Therefore, before applying eyeshadow, you need to mask these unaesthetic circles. To do this, you will need a concealer or concealer, a cushion foundation.

Mistake number 3 – there is no processing of space between eyelashes

Whatever makeup technique you use, it is imperative to paint over the skin between the eyelashes. To do this, you can use eyeliner, liner, liquid eyeliner. If you do not plan to use such cosmetics, paint the space between the eyelashes with shadows. You need to use exactly the shade that was already used before when performing this eye makeup. To do this, you need to take a thin brush, take some shadows on it and apply them between the eyelashes. If you want the color of the eyeshadow to be more saturated, the bristles of the brush can be slightly moistened with water before use.

Mistake # 4 – Using the Wrong Eyeshadow Accessories

If you apply eyeshadow with your fingertips, then it will be quite difficult for you to implement any eye makeup technique. If you use the foam applicators and brushes that come with the cosmetic products, the result will not be better. Therefore, you need to buy a set of brushes, without them it is difficult to place accents, shade and apply other necessary techniques and techniques.

Mistake # 5 – feathering shadows in the wrong direction

Each eye makeup technique assumes that the shading of the eyeshadow will occur in a certain direction. Why is it so important to follow this rule? Because the final effect depends on it. If you apply pigments to the outer corner of the eye and blend them towards the inner corner, the bulk of the pigment will remain at the outer corner, the saturation of colors in this zone will be stronger than in the middle. This will optically enlarge the eyes and make the look more attractive.

In the smokey ice technique, it is important to blend the shadows from the bottom up so that the saturation of the shade under the eyebrow is less than that of the lash line. This is how you can achieve the desired haze effect.

Mistake # 6 – You Overdid Your Makeup

When you are going to apply cosmetics for eye makeup, decide which features of your appearance you want to focus on. You need to select either the upper part of the face, go the lower one. That is, either eyes or lips. If you intend to perform an evening make-up, accentuation of both the first and second zones will not be a mistake. The main thing is to use cosmetics in moderation. For example, some girls have a great combination of smokey ice and red lipstick, but it all depends on the features of their appearance.

Mistake # 7 – neglecting the primer

If you apply shadows on the bare skin of the eyelids or on a surface covered with a fat cream, serum, after 2-3 hours the shadows can begin to float. Or smear, mix with each other, roll into balls and clog into folds of the skin, crumble on the skin under the eyes. The primer not only protects the epidermis from the possible negative effects of the components of cosmetics, but also serves as a kind of adhesive coating that will make the contact of the skin and eyeshadow more durable and resistant. If you do not have a special primer for eye makeup, you can use a base for makeup.

Mistake # 8 – misusing or combining matte and glitter eyeshadow

Those areas that are covered with matte eyeshadow visually appear smaller. And where you put in shiny shadows, there is volume. Therefore, it is necessary to use matte and pearlescent cosmetics, taking into account not only the makeup technique, but also the anatomical features of the structure of the eyes.

Mistake # 9 – you didn't highlight the area under the eyebrow

If, after applying the shadows, the look does not seem expressive enough, then you forgot to highlight the area under the tips of the eyebrows. This technique allows you to visually raise the eyebrows, make them more graceful, and the eyes more open.

Mistake # 10 – you shaded the borders of the shades poorly

There are two difficulties in this matter. Some girls generally do not make smooth transitions between shades of different colors, do not shade pigments, leaving clear lines. It looks rather ugly, unnatural, especially if very light and very dark colors are used simultaneously in the technique of applying shadows. Other girls are overly diligent in dimming pigments. As a result, the shadows are simply mixed into a single incomprehensible color, the eye makeup looks like a dirty stain on the eyelids. Therefore, shading gradients is necessary, but, as they say, without fanaticism.

How to choose eyeshadow in the store

The choice of shadows is a responsible event. It is not enough just to take the first available jars of drugs of the desired shade from the shelf and hope that the cosmetics will suit you 100%. Therefore, it is better to spend the extra ten minutes, but buy a really high-quality product that will satisfy all your needs. What to consider when choosing eyeshadow makeup.

1. Consistency and texture. Shadows can be not only dry (pressed and crumbly), but also gel, almost liquid, can have a mousse consistency. Those that are dry are suitable for those with oily or combination skin. They perfectly absorb excess fatty secretions from the glands. If they contain mineral elements, the shadows will not roll into balls and clog into the folds of the eyelid skin. If you have dry skin, it is recommended to give preference to cosmetics with a liquid consistency. As a rule, such preparations contain moisturizing components, so the skin under makeup will not experience significant discomfort, its condition will not worsen.

2. Color – it is selected not only depending on the color type of the appearance, but also depending on the purpose of the makeup. In everyday life, before going to work or school, it is not appropriate to apply too bright shadows, cosmetics of defiant, rich, saturated shades. If you intend to perform a festive or evening make-up, the possibilities for a flight of imagination expand. With the right technique, shadows of any color are appropriate.

3. Finish character. In everyday life, as a rule, shadows with large sparkles, with a high gloss effect, are not used. In this case, it is better to give preference to matte textures. If you intend to apply shadows before attending a celebration or a party, the finish can be anything – matte, glossy, with sparkles and glitters.

4. Ease of use. If possible, ask the seller for a shadow sampler. Apply makeup to the skin on the inside of your wrist. Use a cotton swab or a disposable applicator for this, so as not to risk injecting any infection on the skin. After applying the eyeshadow, wait 10-15 minutes, go shopping or have a coffee in a cafe. During this time, you must evaluate the quality of the eyeshadow, and decide whether to buy this particular cosmetic product or consider other options:

5. Do they cause an allergic reaction, which can be manifested by the occurrence of irritation, redness, rashes on the skin.

6. Do they cause discomfort, discomfort, for example, a feeling of strong tightness of the skin.

7. How persistent are they, whether they quickly smear from the skin of the wrist.

8. The number of colors in the palette, the availability of additional accessories. You can buy shadows that are sold in a single box with only one color option. Or buy a large set, which will be presented from three options for shadows close and matching tones. Buying a kit gives you more creativity as you can test and apply a lot more techniques to paint beautifully.

9. Product safety, shelf life. It doesn't matter if you buy an expensive or cheap eye shadow if the product is nearing the end of its shelf life. It is especially important to check this if you are using cosmetics with a liquid (any non-dry) consistency. A spoiled product, the expiration date of which has expired immediately after purchase or shortly after that, can harm the skin and eyelash hairs, affecting the epidermis and hair follicles. Therefore, it is desirable that the cosmetics are as fresh as possible. If there is no release date and expiration date on the eyeshadow packaging, you can either choose another drug, or check the production date of the eyeshadows using the batch code using the available online services, as well as contacting the store consultant.

10. Brand – many women attach great importance to this aspect, which, in principle, is justified. Reputable companies with a good reputation are unlikely to suddenly start producing low-quality products. However, small firms, which are seriously aiming at winning their place in the cosmetic market, try to satisfy the needs of their customers and do it with high quality. Therefore, if you liked some shadows of an unknown brand, you can try to look for reviews about the company on forums on the Internet. If you do not want to take risks, you can buy products from reliable companies whose products you have already used and are sure of their quality and safety.

And don't forget about such aspects as the place of purchase, the price of the cosmetic product. It is recommended to buy shadows, as, indeed, all other cosmetics, in reliable and proven large specialized stores. These can be stationary cosmetics stores or IM stores that have been operating for several years and have no negative reviews. Also, eyeshadows can be bought in so-called corners, that is, in the departments of large supermarkets, where cosmetics of certain brands are presented, and where you can get expert help from consultants. Master classes are often held there on how to apply shadows correctly, what techniques are most popular today.

Selection of cosmetic products depending on the anatomical characteristics of the appearance

When describing certain makeup techniques, you cannot give instructions like 'apply this shade here, another one there, blend and you're done.' The fact is that the appearance of each woman is individual. Very few women are fortunate enough to have perfectly almond-shaped eyes. Usually the structure of the eyes has its own characteristics – they can be too large or protruding, small or deep-set, located too close to each other or, conversely, at a great distance from each other. This is important to consider when using one or another technique of applying shadows. For example, light shades create more volume, visually enlarge the eyes. And dark ones – narrow, reduce the incision, make the eyes optically smaller. Therefore, using black or too dark shadows if the eyes are small and deep-set is simply wrong.

How to use the light and dark shadow properties

Knowing the features of the action of dark and light shadows, you can use them with benefit, adjusting the features of appearance:

1. The nature of the problem – the eyes are too far apart. Solution – you should not apply light shadows close to the bridge of the nose, so as not to increase this distance even more. But dark chocolate and dark beige shadows on the inner corners of the eyelids can and should be applied.

2. The nature of the problem is exactly the opposite – the eyes are set too close to each other. Solution – use the opposite technique. You will visually increase the distance between the eyes if you apply light, shimmery pigments to the area near the inner corners of the eyelids. This will also refresh the look, make it rested. Also, to visually open your eyes, you can use the 'Corner' shading technique, which consists in applying dark shadows to the outer corners of the eyes in the form of a triangle and shading with a smooth extension of the corner of the triangle towards the temple.

3. The nature of the problem – the eyes are set too deep. Solution – the line between a moving and a static eyelid needs to be darkened. At the same time, it is recommended to apply light shadows on the movable eyelid and under the eyebrow in order to optically 'stretch' the eyes from the depths.

4. The nature of the problem is big eyes. The solution is to visually reduce their volume if you darken most of the eyelid. That is, light pigments are applied directly at the eyelash growth line, accentuating this area, and, starting from the fold above the movable eyelid and ending with the area under the eyes, dark pigments are applied.

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